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CANTA Science Award Winner Dr. Maya N. Patel to be Honored at Annual Lecture

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  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. aya-n-patel-to-be-honored-at-annual-lecture.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 5:59 GMT by Post and Courier

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Summary of “CANTA Science Award Winner to be Honored at Annual Lecture”

The Post‑and‑Courier’s Aiken Standard article reports on the forthcoming annual lecture that will celebrate the 2024 recipient of the CANTA (College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences Technology and Advancement) Science Award, an honor that recognizes outstanding scientific research conducted by a member of the local academic community. Though the original story focuses on the event’s logistics and the award’s prestige, it also offers a broader picture of the award’s history, the selection process, and the significance of the recipient’s work for both the university and the wider region.

1. The CANTA Science Award – History and Purpose

• Origins – The CANTA Science Award was inaugurated in 2010 by the College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (CANS) at the University of South Carolina’s (USC) Aiken campus. Its goal is to acknowledge faculty, researchers, and graduate students who have produced exemplary scientific research that advances knowledge, drives innovation, and addresses pressing societal challenges.
• Criteria – Submissions are judged on scientific rigor, originality, potential impact, and applicability. An anonymous panel of national experts reviews the nominations, and a final decision is made by the college’s dean.
• Past Recipients – Previous awardees have ranged from a soil‑health specialist whose work has improved crop yields to a marine biologist whose studies on coral resilience have informed conservation policy. Each winner is invited to deliver a lecture to the campus community and the public.

2. The 2024 Award Winner – Dr. Maya N. Patel

• Academic Profile – Dr. Patel is an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at USC Aiken. Her research focuses on the impacts of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems, a field that has gained urgency in recent years due to growing environmental concerns.
• Research Highlights – Dr. Patel’s recent study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, demonstrated how microplastic particles accumulate in the gut of freshwater mussels, impairing nutrient absorption and leading to population declines. The study also proposed a bio‑indicator system for monitoring microplastic pollution in riverine environments.
• Impact and Outreach – Beyond her publications, Dr. Patel has partnered with local schools to develop citizen‑science projects, encouraging students to collect water samples for microplastic analysis. This outreach has helped raise community awareness and foster early interest in STEM fields.

3. The Annual Lecture – Date, Venue, and Speakers

• When and Where – The lecture will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the 5,000‑seat McKee Hall auditorium on the Aiken campus. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception in the Hall’s atrium.
• Program – Dr. Patel will open with a presentation titled “From Plastic to Population: Unveiling the Hidden Threats in Our Waterways.” The talk will summarize her methodology, key findings, and potential policy implications.
• Special Guests – The event will feature a panel discussion with three distinguished guests:
  1. Dean James A. Lee – Dean of the College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, who will speak about the award’s role in promoting scientific excellence.
  2. State Senator Karen Mitchell – A local legislator involved in environmental policy, who will discuss how research like Dr. Patel’s informs state‑level decisions on plastic waste management.
  3. Dr. Luis R. Gomez – A renowned marine ecologist from the nearby Coastal Research Institute, who will provide a comparative perspective on microplastic studies in marine vs. freshwater systems.
• Audience – The lecture is open to the public, but the university has reserved 300 seats for students, faculty, and staff. The article notes that the event will be streamed live on the college’s website, allowing a broader audience to participate.

4. The Award’s Broader Significance

• Community Engagement – The article underscores how the CANTA Science Award serves as a bridge between academia and the surrounding community. By spotlighting local researchers, the award promotes public understanding of science and encourages collaboration across sectors.
• Funding and Recognition – Winners receive a $5,000 grant that can be used for research expenses, travel, or educational outreach. The recognition also bolsters the recipients’ chances of securing larger grants from national agencies, such as the National Science Foundation.
• Student Inspiration – Faculty members frequently mention that the award motivates graduate students to pursue rigorous research. Dr. Patel herself has been quoted saying that the event “encourages the next generation to think critically about the environmental challenges facing our region.”

5. Key Quotes and Take‑aways

• Dean Lee (as quoted in the article): “We are proud to honor Dr. Patel, whose work not only advances scientific understanding but also has tangible benefits for our community’s environmental stewardship.”
• Dr. Patel: “The lecture is an opportunity to share how even the smallest particles can have profound ecological consequences. It’s a call to action for both scientists and citizens.”
• Local Resident: “I’ve always admired the university’s efforts to involve us in science. Dr. Patel’s research has opened my eyes to the everyday problems we face in our rivers.”

6. Additional Resources and Follow‑up Links

The original Post‑and‑Courier article links to several additional resources:

1. CANTA Science Award Website – Provides detailed submission guidelines, past awardees’ profiles, and the award’s mission statement.
2. Dr. Patel’s Lab Page – Offers access to her recent publications, ongoing projects, and contact information.
3. USC Aiken Campus Calendar – Contains the full schedule for the lecture, including the panel discussion and reception.
4. Environmental Science & Technology Article – The PDF of Dr. Patel’s flagship study, giving readers direct access to the research data.

7. Conclusion

The article paints a comprehensive picture of an event that is both celebratory and educational. By spotlighting Dr. Maya N. Patel’s contributions to understanding microplastic pollution, the CANTA Science Award not only honors individual excellence but also reinforces the critical role of scientific research in addressing environmental challenges at the local level. Attendees of the upcoming lecture can expect a rich blend of rigorous science, policy discussion, and community engagement that exemplifies the award’s mission to foster innovation, collaboration, and public understanding.